FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter relates to communication devices and, particularly, but not exclusively, to automatic conversion of text messages into audio messages in communication devices.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Communication devices, such as cellular phones, smart phones, and personal digital assistants (PDAs), provide users with a variety of mobile communications services and networking capabilities. Such communication devices have seemingly become a ubiquitous part of today’s lifestyle. The communication devices allow users to place and receive telephone calls or exchange text messages between communication network and multiple users through network services provided by various service providers.
[0003] Though such communication devices provide numerous advantages to the subscribers, such devices can be dangerous in certain circumstances, such as while driving. Many accidents have occurred because the drivers failed to maintain proper control while attending to calls and reading text messages. As a result, many users use a hands-free headset while driving, which allows the users to maintain a normal driving posture and both hands on the wheel. Moreover, the headsets also allow users to more readily use their phones to place or receive calls when engaged in other outdoor activities, such as jogging or bicycle riding.
SUMMARY
[0004] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to automatic conversion of text messages into audio messages in communication devices. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0005] According to one embodiment, a communication device for automatic conversion of text messages into audio message includes a message control module configured to receive a text message from a communication network, and determine connectivity of the communication device with a headset. Based on the connectivity of the communication device with the headset,
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the message control module is configured to switch the communication device to one of a listen mode and a default mode. The communication device further includes a text-to-speech conversion module configured to convert the text message into the audio message in the listen mode.
[0006] In one implementation, the message control module is configured to compare the text message with predefined message filtering criteria that may include keywords, sender’s name, and/or sender’s contact number, etc. The text message meeting the message filtering criteria is selected by the message control module for conversion into the audio message. The communication device further includes a playback module configured to play the audio message for a user of the communication device through the headset. In one implementation, the playback module can be further configured to replay the audio message through the headset based on a predefined playback rule.
[0007] According to another embodiment, a method for automatic conversion of text messages into audio messages in communication devices comprises receiving a text message in a communication device. Further, the method comprises converting, automatically, the text message into an audio message based on the receiving. In one implementation, conversion of the text message into the audio message is based on determining connectivity of the communication device with a headset. In another implementation, conversion of the text message into the audio message is based on determining whether a listen mode is enabled in the communication device. In yet another implementation, conversion of the text message into the audio message is based on comparison of the text message with predefined message filtering criteria.
[0008] Furthermore, the method comprises playing the audio message. In one implementation, the playing comprises determining connectivity of the communication device with a headset, and triggering one of the headset and a speaker of the communication device based on the connectivity of the communication device with the headset, to play the audio message. In one implementation, the method further comprises replaying the audio message based on a predefined playback rule.
[0009] According to yet another embodiment, a computer readable medium having embodied thereon a computer program for executing a method for automatic conversion of text messages into audio messages in communication devices comprises receiving a text message in a communication device. Further, the method comprises determining connectivity of the
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communication device with a headset, and converting the text message into an audio message based on the determining. Furthermore, the method comprises playing the audio message through the headset.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0010] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system and/or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0011] Figure 1 illustrates a communication network environment implementing communication devices, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0012] Figure 2 illustrates components of a communication device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0013] Figure 3 illustrates a method for automatic conversion of text messages into audio messages in communication devices, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter; and
[0014] Figure 4 illustrates a method for automatic conversion of text messages into audio messages in communication devices, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0015] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles of the present subject matter. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams, state transition diagrams, pseudo code, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable medium and so executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.
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DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0016] Communication devices, such as cellular phones, smart phones, and personal digital assistants (PDAs) continue to grow in popularity and have become an integral part of both personal and business communications. Cellular phones allow users to place and receive telephone calls or exchange text messages almost anywhere they travel. Usage of such communication devices, however, can be problematic in certain situations, for example, when users are engaged in outdoor activities. As an instance, usage of communication devices while driving may lead to failure in maintaining proper driving control that may eventually lead to accidents.
[0017] Avoiding use of communication devices during such situations may not be possible all the time, as the users are likely to miss urgent or important personal or business communications. To this end, as a safety measure, most of the users are nowadays using hands-free headsets when engaged in outdoor activities, such as driving. The headsets allow users to more readily use their phones to place or receive calls while maintaining a normal driving posture and keeping both the hands free for proper driving control.
[0018] Conventionally, the headsets are known to work well for handling voice communications, such as calls. Most of the communication devices are equipped with a feature of auto-answer, when connected to headsets. When enabled, the auto-answer mode automatically routes an incoming call to the headsets. Thus, hands of the users remain free and the users need not have to look at the display screen to pick up the call. Such headsets, however, are typically of no value when it comes to accessing text messages in the communication devices. That is, if a user needs to monitor his text messages while driving, he still has to look at the display of his communication device and scroll through text messages.
[0019] The systems and methods according to the present subject matter provides for automatic conversion of text messages into audio messages in communication devices. According to one embodiment, as soon as a text message arrives, connectivity between the communication device and the headset is determined. Based on the determination, a listen mode or a default mode in the communication device is activated automatically. For example, a listen mode is activated when the headset is connected to the communication device. As soon as the
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headset is disconnected from the communication device, the communicated device is automatically switched to the default mode.
[0020] During the listen mode, the incoming text message is converted into an audio message which is subsequently played to the user, via, the headset. Thus, the user can hear the audio message in the same manner as they listen to calls. As soon as the headset is disconnected, the communication device reverts to the default mode in which the incoming messages remain in their usual text form on the display of the communication device. The user may then read the text messages therefrom. In an example, the user may connect the headset when engaged in outdoor activities, and disconnect the headset otherwise.
[0021] According to the context of the present subject matter, the text messages may include, without limitation, Short Message Service (SMS), and emails. The headsets may include a wired headset that can be plugged-in to the communication device, or a wireless headset that can be wirelessly connected the communication device. The communication devices may include, but not restricted to, cellular phones, smart phones, and personal digital assistants (PDAs) that are capable of receiving text messages from a communication network.
[0022] In one embodiment, a provision of manual switching between the listen mode and the default mode can be provided to the users. For example, the user may be allowed to manually enable or disable the listen mode. When the listen mode is enabled manually, the communication device continues to remain in the listen mode till the listen mode is disabled by the user. As soon as the listen mode is disabled, the communication device is switched to the default mode. Thus, when the listen mode is enabled, the text message can be converted into an audio message irrespective of whether a headset is connected to the communication device or not. In one implementation, connectivity between the headset and the communication device may be determined at the time of playing the audio message. If the headset is found to be connected to the communication device, the audio message can be played to the user through the headset. Otherwise, the audio message can be played to the user through a speaker of the communication device.
[0023] Such a manual switching may be advantageous in situations when availability of the headset is in question. For example, if a user forgets to carry the headset, but would still like to listen to the text messages while driving, the user may manually enable the listen mode and have the text messages converted into the audio messages and played to him through the speaker
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of the communication device. Taking another example, where the user is wearing the headset for other purposes, such as listening to music. In such cases, the user may not desire to have the text message being converted and played to him, as the same may be a cause of nuisance to the user enjoying the music. Thus, during such situations, it may be advantageous for the user to manually disable the listen mode, thereby switching to the default mode. Any incoming text message arriving in the default mode will then be displayed to the user on the communication device.
[0024] In one implementation, the communication device can be configured to replay/repeat the audio messages according to predefined playback rules. One such rule may be replaying each audio message a predefined number of times, say, twice. Another rule may be replaying the messages arriving from selected senders or a selected group of senders, a predefined number of times. The predefined number of times can either be same for all the selected senders/groups, or different for each of the selected users/groups. For example, messages arriving from all the selected senders can be set to be replayed twice. In another example, messages arriving from one sender may be set to be repeated twice, and messages arriving from another sender may be set to be repeated thrice.
[0025] In another implementation, the communication device may allow the users to customize the listen mode. For example, the listen mode can be customized to convert and play only selected text messages while ignoring other text messages. For example, a message filtering criteria including keywords, sender’s name, and/or sender’s contact number, etc., can be specified by the user. The incoming text messages meeting such criteria are allowed to be converted into the audio message and played to the user, while, the other messages are rejected and hence not played for the user. For example, when the user is driving, he may choose to hear only the text messages received from the family members or business associates. The communication device then process and play only intended messages for the user.
[0026] In yet another implementation, the audio messages can be generated in a predefined language, or the audio messages can be generated in any language, say a default language, and then translated into a predefined language and played to the user. The predefined language can be, for example, a spoken language of the user, or any other language selected by the user.
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[0027] The systems and methods, according to the present subject matter, allow the users to avail the benefit of receiving text message in communication devices while keeping their hands and sight free from the communication devices. Thus, proper control over other activities, such as driving can be maintained.
[0028] It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be only for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0029] The manner in which the systems and methods for automatic conversion of text messages into audio messages in communication devices has been implemented is described in details in the later sections. While aspects of described systems and methods for automatic conversion of text messages into audio messages can be implemented in any number of different computing systems, transmission environments, and/or configurations, the embodiments are described in the context of the following exemplary system(s).
[0030] It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the words during, while, and when as used herein are not exact terms that mean an action takes place instantly upon an initiating action but that there may be some small but reasonable delay, such as a propagation delay, between the initial action and the reaction that is initiated by the initial action. Additionally, the word “connected” and “coupled” is used throughout for clarity of the description and can include either a direct connection or an indirect connection.
[0031] Figure 1 illustrates a communication network environment 100 implementing communication devices 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0032] The communication network environment 100 comprises a plurality of communication devices 102-1, 102-2, 102-3,…102-N (collectively referred to as communication
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devices 102, and individually referred to as communication device 102 hereinafter) connected to each other through a communication network 104.
[0033] The communication devices 102 are User Equipments (UEs) used by user to communicate with each other. The communication devices 102 are capable of receiving and sending text messages to/from the communication network 104. Further, the communication devices 102 may include a SIM which may be associated with a MSISDN and an IMSI number. Examples of the communication devices 102 may include, without limitation, cellular phones, smart phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and the like. Each of the communication devices 102 works on a communication protocol as defined by the communication network 104 to which the communication device 102 is coupled.
[0034] The communication network 104 may be a wireless or a wired network, or a combination thereof. The communication network 104 can be a collection of individual networks, interconnected with each other and functioning as a single large network (e.g., the internet or an intranet). Examples of such individual networks include, but are not limited to, Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) network, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) network, Personal Communications Service (PCS) network, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) network, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, Next Generation Network (NGN), Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), and Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN). Depending on the technology, the communication network 104 includes various network entities, such as gateways, routers; however, such details have been omitted for ease of understanding.
[0035] According to an embodiment, the communication devices 102 include message control modules 106-1, 106-2, 106-3,…,106-N, collectively referred to as message control modules 106, and individual referred to as a message control module 106. The communication devices 102 are capable of exchanging text messages with each other through the communication network 104. For example, a communication device 102-1 may receive a text message from the communication device 102-2 through the communication network 104. The communication devices 102 include, for example, wireless transceivers (not shown in the figure) for receiving text messages from the communication network 104. The message control modules 106 of the communication device 102 can be coupled to respective wireless transceivers for receiving and controlling the text messages.
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[0036] According to one embodiment of the present subject matter, the message control module 106 can be configured to automatically switch to a listen mode or a default mode based on the connectivity of the communication device 102 with a headset. The message control module 106, for example, can be configured to automatically switch to the listen mode when the headset is connected to the communication device 102, and automatically revert to the default mode when the headset is disconnected from the communication device 102. In the listen mode, the communication device 102 is configured to convert the incoming text message to an audio message, which is played to the user through the headset. In the default mode, the communication device 102 displays the incoming text message on a display of the communication device 102.
[0037] In one implementation, the message control module 106 can be configured to switch to the listen mode or the default mode based on a user selection. For example, the listen mode can be manually enabled or disabled by the user. According to said implementation, as soon as the text message arrives, the message control module 106 is configured to determine whether the listen mode is enabled or disabled. If the listen mode is enabled, without determining whether the headset is connected to the communication device 102 or not, the communication device 102 is configured to convert the text message into an audio message, which is played to the user through a headset or a speaker of the communication device 102.
[0038] Figure 2 illustrates the components of a communication device 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0039] The communication device 102 may be implemented as various computing devices, such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant, a digital diary, a tablet, a net-book, and the like. In said embodiment, the communication device 102 includes one or more processor(s) 202, hence forth referred to as processor 202, and a memory connected to the processor 202. The processor 202 may include microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries and/or any other devices that manipulate signals and data based on operational instructions. The processor 202 can be a single processing unit or a number of units, all of which could also include multiple computing units. Among other capabilities, the processor 202 is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory.
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[0040] Functions of the various elements shown in the figures, including any functional blocks labeled as “processor(s)”, may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing software in association with appropriate software. When provided by a processor, the functions may be provided by a single dedicated processor, by a single shared processor, or by a plurality of individual processors, some of which may be shared. Moreover, explicit use of the term “processor” should not be construed to refer exclusively to hardware capable of executing software, and may implicitly include, without limitation, digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, network processor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), read only memory (ROM) for storing software, random access memory (RAM), and non volatile storage. Other hardware, conventional and/or custom, may also be included.
[0041] The memory can include any computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as RAM and/or non-volatile memory, such as flash. The communication device 102 may include includes module(s) 206 and data 208. The module(s) 206 include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., which perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The modules 206 may also be implemented as, signal processor(s), state machine(s), logic circuitries, and/or any other device or component that manipulate signals based on operational instructions.
[0042] Further, the modules 206 can be implemented as hardware, or instructions executed by a processing unit, or by a combination thereof. The processing unit can comprise a computer, a processor, such as the processor 202, a state machine, a logic array or any other suitable devices capable of processing instructions. The processing unit can be a general-purpose processor which executes instructions to cause the general-purpose processor to perform the required tasks or, the processing unit can be dedicated to perform the required functions.
[0043] In another aspect of the present subject matter, the modules 206 may be machine-readable instructions (software) which, when executed by a processor/processing unit, perform any of the described functionalities. The machine-readable instructions may be stored on an electronic memory device, hard disk, optical disk or other machine-readable storage medium or non-transitory medium. In one implementation, the machine-readable instructions can be also be downloaded to the storage medium via a network connection.
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[0044] In one implementation, the module(s) 206 may include the message control module 106, a text-to-speech conversion module 210, a playback module 212, and other module(s) 214. The other module(s) 214 may include programs or coded instructions that supplement applications and functions of the communication device 102. It will be evident that the module(s) 206 and data 208 may be a part of the memory of the communication device 102. On the other hand, the data 208, amongst other things, serves as a repository for storing data processed, received, associated, and generated by one or more of the module(s) 206. The data 208 includes, for example, text message 216, message filtering criteria 218, audio message 220, playback rules 222, and other data 224. The data 208 may also include other data 224. The other data 224 includes data generated as a result of the execution of one or more modules in the other module(s) 214. The data 208 is shown as internal to the communication device 102, however, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the data 208 may be external to the communication device 102.
[0045] Further, the communication device 102 includes one or more interface(s) 204. The interfaces 204 may include a variety of software and hardware interfaces, for example, interfaces for peripheral device(s), such as data input output devices, referred to as I/O devices, storage devices, network devices, etc. The I/O device(s) may include Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, Ethernet ports, host bus adaptors, etc., and their corresponding device drivers. The interface(s) 204 may facilitate the communication of the communication device 102 with various communication and computing devices and various networks, such as Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) network, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) network, Personal Communications Service (PCS) network, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) network, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, Next Generation Network (NGN), IP-based network, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), networks that use a variety of protocols, for example, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP).
[0046] In operation, the message control module 106 of the communication device 102, say, the communication device 102-1, receives a text message 216 from another communication device 102, say, the communication device 102-2, through the communication network 104. The text message 216 referred herein may be a SMS, or an email. Upon receiving the text message
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216, the message control module 106 of the communication device 102, in one implementation, is configured to control the text message 216 according to an automatic switching. In another implementation, the message control module 106 is configured to control the text message 216 according to a manual switching. According to one example, provision of choosing between the automatic switching and the manual switching can be provided to user of the communication device 102.
[0047] According to the automatic switching, the message control module 106 is configured to automatically switch to one of a listen mode and a default mode depending on whether the communication device 102 is connected to a headset or not. The message control module 106, for example, is configured to firstly determine the connectivity of the communication device 102 to the headset. If it is determined that the headset is connected to the communication device 102, the message control module 106 automatically switches to the listen mode. As soon as the headset is disconnected from the communication device 102, the message control module 106 reverts to a default mode. As described previously, the headset can either be a wired headset or a wireless headset, such as Bluetooth headset. Thus, connectivity of the communication device 102 with the headset can either be established through a wired connection or a wireless connection respectively.
[0048] Upon switching to the listen mode, the message control module 106 invokes the text-to-speech conversion module 210, which is configured to convert the incoming text message 216 to an audio message 220. The audio message 220 is then played through the headset by the playback module 212. Returning to the default mode, the message control module 106 is configured to display the incoming text message 216 on the display of the communication device 102.
[0049] According to the manual switching, the message control module 106 is configured to determine current status of the listen mode. For example, the message control module 106 is configured to check whether the listen mode is enabled or disabled by the user. In case the listen mode is enabled, the message control module 106 is configured to trigger the text-to-speech conversion module 210. When triggered, the text-to-speech conversion module 210 is configured to convert the text message 216 to the audio message 220, irrespective of whether the headset is connected to the communication device 102 or not. The playback module 212 of the communication device 102 is then configured to play the audio message 220 to the user either
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through the headset or through the speaker of the communication device 102. For example, if the headset is connected to the communication device 102, the playback module 212 can trigger the headset to play the audio message 220. Otherwise, the playback module 212 can trigger the speaker of the communication device 102 to play the audio message 220. On the other hand, if the listen mode is disabled, the message control module 106 is configured to display the incoming text message 216 irrespective of whether the headset is connected to the communication device 102 or not. The operation of the communication device 102 in the listen mode is described in greater detail in the description following hereinafter.
[0050] As indicated previously, during the listen mode, the message control module 106 invokes the text-to-speech conversion module 210, which is configured to convert the incoming text message 216 to the audio message 220. In one implementation, the text-to-speech conversion may be based on any conventionally known text-to-speech conversion technique. In one implementation, the text-to-speech conversion module 210 may include an in-built language translation tool, which is configured to convert the text message 216 into the audio message 220 in a predefined language. The predefined language can be a spoken language of the user, or any other desirable language selected by the user. In another implementation, the text-to-speech conversion module 106 can be configured to convert the text message 216 to the audio message 220 in a default language, say, an English language, which is then converted into an audio message 220 in a selected language by a separate translation module provided in as one of the other modules 214. The audio message 220 obtained subsequent to the translation can be referred as a translated audio message. For the sake of brevity, the audio message 220 or the translated audio message is hereinafter referred to as simply the audio message 220.
[0051] The audio message 220 is then played through the headset by the playback module 212. In one implementation, the playback module 212 can be configured to replay the audio message according to one or more predefined playback rules 222. Few examples of the predefined playback rules 222 may include repeating each audio message a predefined number of times, say, twice or thrice, repeating selected audio messages a predefined number of times, wherein the selection is based on the sender’s details, such as sender’s name or contact number, duration of the audio message. For example, a user may choose to repeat audio messages from the sender “John” twice. Another example of playback rule 222 may include repeating only selected audio messages different predefined number of times. For example, a user may choose
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to repeat the audio messages from one sender twice and the audio messages from another sender thrice. It is to be understood that only few examples of the playback rules 222 are described herein for the sake of brevity, the exemplary playback rules described herein should not be construed as a limitation, various other types of playback rules 222 as apparent to a person skilled in the art can be implemented.
[0052] According to one embodiment, the message control module 106 is configured to filter the incoming text messages based on the predefined message filtering criteria. 218 In said embodiment, the message control module 106 allows only those text messages 216 that meet the message filtering criteria 218 to be converted into the audio message 220, while displaying the remaining text messages 216 on the communication device 102 in their original text form. The message filtering criteria 218 may include sender’s name, sender’s contact number, and/or keywords, etc.
[0053] As an instance, the user may specify name of the senders ‘Harry’ and ‘Mike’ as the message filtering criteria 218. The message control module 106 is then configured to forward only the text messages 216 received from the ‘Harry’ and ‘Mike’ to the text-to-speech conversion module 210 for conversion of the filtered text messages 216 to the audio messages 220. For each incoming text message 216, the message control module 106 is configured to compare the text message 216 with the predefined message filtering criteria 218. If the text message 216 is found to satisfy the message filtering criteria 218, the message control module 106 forwards the text message 216 to the text-to-speech conversion module 210 for conversion into the audio message 220.
[0054] The message control module 106 is configured to display the remaining text messages, i.e., the text messages 216 not satisfying the message filtering criteria 218, on the communication device 102. In another example, the user may specify keywords, such as ‘Urgent’ and ‘Important’ as the message filtering criteria 218, based on which, the message control module 106 selects the text message 216 containing the keywords ‘Urgent’ and ‘Important’ for conversion into the audio message 220. In yet another example, a combination of above mentioned keywords and senders name can be specified as the message filtering criteria 218, based on which, the message control module 106 is configured to select only the text message 216 received from the senders ‘Harry’ and ‘Mike’, wherein the text message 216 contains the keywords ‘Urgent’ and ‘Important’ for conversion into the audio message 220.
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[0055] It is to be understood that the examples of the message filtering criteria 218 described above are only for the purpose of explanation and not to be construed as a limitation, various other types of message filtering criteria 218 as apparent to a person skilled in the art can be implemented without deviating from the scope of the present subject matter.
[0056] Figures 3-4 illustrate methods 300 and 400 for automatic conversion of text messages into audio messages in communication devices, according to different embodiments of the present subject matter. Specifically, the method 300 describes automatic conversion of the text messages into the audio messages according to automatic switching between the default mode and the listen mode, and the method 400 describes automatic conversion of the text messages into the audio messages according to manual switching between the default mode and the listen mode. The order in which the methods 300 and 400 are described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the methods 300 and 400, or any alternative methods. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the methods can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.
[0057] The methods 300 and 400 may be described in the general context of computer executable instructions. Generally, computer executable instructions can include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, functions, etc., that perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types. The methods 300 and 400 may also be practiced in a distributed computing environment where functions are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, computer executable instructions may be located in both local and remote computer storage media, including memory storage devices.
[0058] A person skilled in the art will readily recognize that steps of the methods 300 and 400 can be performed by programmed computers. Herein, some embodiments are also intended to cover program storage devices, for example, digital data storage media, which are machine or computer readable and encode machine-executable or computer-executable programs of instructions, where said instructions perform some or all of the steps of the described method. The program storage devices may be, for example, digital memories, magnetic storage media, such as a magnetic disks and magnetic tapes, hard drives, or optically readable digital data
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storage media. The embodiments are also intended to cover both communication network and communication devices configured to perform said steps of the methods 300 and 400.
[0059] Referring to the Figure 3, which illustrates a method 300 for automatic conversion of text messages into audio messages in communication devices, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. The method 300 is initiated at block 302, according to which a text message is received in a communication device, for example, from a communication network. The text message referred herein may be an SMS or an email. In one implementation, the message control module 106 of a communication device 102, say, the communication device 102 of a recipient, receives a text message 216 from another communication device 102, say, the communication 102 of a sender, through the communication network 104, such as a wireless communication network.
[0060] At block 304, connectivity of the communication device with a headset is determined upon receiving the text message. The headset referred herein may be a wireless headset or a wired headset connected to the communication device. In one implementation, the message control module 106 of the communication device 102 determines whether the headset is connected to the communication device 102 or not. If the determination yields that the headset is connected to the communication device 102, the message control module 106 of the communication device 102 is configured to switch the communication device 102 to the listen mode. On the other hand, if the determination yields that the headset is not connected to the communication device 102, the message control module 106 is configured to switch the communication device 102 to the default mode.
[0061] At block 306, the text message is converted into an audio message based on the determination made at the previous block. For example, when the headset is connected to the communication device 102, in other words, when the listen mode is activated, the text message 216 is converted into the audio message 220. In one implementation, the message control module 106 invokes a text-to-speech conversion module 210, upon activation of the listen mode. The text-to-speech conversion module 210 is configured to convert the text message 216 to the audio message 220. In one implementation, the text messages 216 are filtered based on the message filtering criteria 218, and only the filtered text messages 216 are converted into the audio messages 220. For example, if the text message 216 meets the message filtering criteria 218, the
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message control module 106 is configured to invoke the text-to-speech conversion module 210 to convert the text message 216 into the audio message 220.
[0062] At block 308, the audio message is played through the headset connected to the communication device. In one implementation, the playback module 212 of the communication device 102 is configured to play the audio message 220 to a user, such as a recipient, through the headset connected to the communication device 102. According to one implementation, the playback module 212 can be configured to replay the audio message 220 for the user, such as the recipient, according to a predefined playback rule 222.
[0063] Referring to the Figure 4, which illustrates a method 400 for automatic conversion of text messages into audio messages in communication devices, according to another embodiment of the present subject matter. The method 400 is initiated at block 402, according to which a text message is received in a communication device. The text message referred herein may be an SMS or an email. In one implementation, the message control module 106 of a communication device 102 receives a text message from a sender communication device 102 through the communication network, such as a wireless communication network.
[0064] At block 404, a current status of a listen mode is determined. In one implementation, the message control module 106 is configured to determine the current status of the listen mode, whether the listen mode is enabled or disabled. When enabled, the communication device 102 is said to be operating in a listen mode. Otherwise, the communication device 102 is said to be operating in a default mode.
[0065] At block 406, the text message is converted into an audio message based on the determination made at the previous block. For example, when the listen mode is enabled, the text message is converted into the audio message, irrespective of whether the headset is connected to the communication device 102 or not. Otherwise, the text message is displayed on the communication device 102 in its usual manner as apparent to a person skilled in the art. In one implementation, when the listen mode is enabled, the message control module 106 invokes a text-to-speech conversion module 210, which is configured to convert the text message 216 into the audio message 220. In one implementation, the message control module 106 is configured to invoke the text-to-speech conversion module 210 to convert the text message 216 into the audio message 220, if the text message meets the predefined message filtering criteria 218.
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[0066] At block 408, the audio message is played to the user through the headset or the speaker of the communication device 102. In one implementation, the playback module 212 of the communication device 102 is configured to play the audio message 220 to a user, such as a recipient, through the headset, when the headset is connected to the communication device 102. Otherwise, the playback module 214 is configured to play the audio message 220 to the user through the speaker of the communication device 102. The playback module 212, according to one implementation, can be configured to replay the audio message 220 for the user, according to predefined playback rules 222.
[0067] Although embodiments for methods and systems for automatic conversion of text messages into audio messages in communication devices have been described in a language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as exemplary embodiments for automatic conversion of text messages into audio messages in communication devices.

I/We claim:
1. A communication device (102) for automatic conversion of text messages into audio messages comprising:
a processor (202);
a message control module (106) coupled to the processor (202), wherein the message control module (106) is configured to:
receive a text message (216) from a communication network (104);
determine connectivity of the communication device (102) with a headset; and
switch the communication device (102) to one of a listen mode and a default mode based on the connectivity of the communication device (102) with the headset; and
a text-to-speech conversion module (210) coupled to the processor (202), wherein the text-to-speech conversion module (210) is configured to convert the text message (216) into an audio message (220) in the listen mode.
2. The communication device (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication device (102) further comprises a playback module (212) configured to play the audio message (220) for a user of the communication device (102) through the headset.
3. The communication device (102) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the playback module (212) is further configured to replay the audio message (220) through the headset based on a predefined playback rule (222).
4. The communication device (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the message control module (106) is further configured to compare the text message (216) with predefined message filtering criteria (218), and select the text message (216) for conversion into the audio message (220) based on the comparison.
5. The communication device (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication network (104) is a wireless communication network.
6. The communication device (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the text message (216) is one of a Short Message Service (SMS) and an email.
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7. A method for automatic conversion of text messages into audio messages in communication devices, the method comprising:
receiving a text message in a communication device;
converting, automatically, the text message into an audio message based on the receiving; and
playing the audio message.
8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the converting is based on determining connectivity of the communication device with a headset.
9. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the converting is based on determining whether a listen mode is enabled in the communication device.
10. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the converting is based on comparing the text message with predefined message filtering criteria.
11. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the converting comprises generating the audio message in a predefined language.
12. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the method further comprising replaying the audio message based on a predefined playback rule.
13. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the method further comprising:
comparing a language of the audio message with a predefined language; and
translating the language of the audio message into the predefined language, based on the comparing.
14. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the playing comprises:
determining connectivity of the communication device with a headset; and
triggering one of the headset and a speaker of the communication device based on the connectivity of the communication device with the headset to play the audio message.
15. A computer readable medium having embodied thereon a computer program for executing a method for automatic conversion of text messages into audio messages in communication devices, the method comprising:
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receiving a text message in a communication device;
determining connectivity of the communication device with a headset;
converting the text message into an audio message based on the determining; and
playing the audio message through the headset.